What Does A Sustainable Smartphone Look Like?

By Isabelle GerretsenFeatures correspondent@izzygerretsen

Fairphone wants to reduce global electronic waste by selling phones that have a longer working life (Credit: Getty Images)

In a bid to reduce global electronic waste, Fairphone has created a smartphone that owners can repair themselves. What makes its technology so sustainable?

"This is my phone's camera," says Bas van Abel, holding a small, square component aloft. He has just removed it from his smartphone, using a tiny screwdriver.

"There's eight components in total which can be removed and replaced," he says, as he meticulously disassembles his entire smartphone, placing the camera alongside his phone battery, USB port, screen and loudspeaker. 

Van Abel is the co-founder of the Dutch social enterprise Fairphone, which claims to have built "the world's most sustainable smartphone". But with a complex product containing rare metals and components from all over the world, just how sustainable can a smartphone be?

Founded in 2013 in Amsterdam, Fairphone makes Android smartphones which can easily be exchanged, customised and repaired by their owners. By enabling and encouraging people to fix their phones, rather than throwing them away as soon as a component breaks, Fairphone hopes to help reduce electronic waste.

The smartphone you can take apart and fix yourself

E-waste is the world's fastest-growing waste stream. An estimated 50 million tonnes of electronic waste is produced globally every year, weighing more than all of the commercial airliners ever made, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Just 20% of that waste is recycled.

The mountain of e-waste is growing as the demand for portable devices and smartphones increases. By 2050, annual electronic waste production will more than double to 120 million tonnes, according to the World Economic Forum.

In 2022, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away, the Belgian non-profit The WEEE Forum, which analyses electronic waste, estimates. In the US, people replace their phones every 18 months on average as new models with upgraded features are released. Most devices now come as sealed units that are extremely difficult and expensive to repair, or even produce error messages if damaged components are fixed.

Fairphone wants to break this trend by selling phones that have a longer working life.

"We make phones repairable so that you can use them for a very long time," says van Abel, who was speaking to the BBC at the Design Council's Design for the Planet Festival in Norwich, UK. "It's a very simple calculation: if you use the phone twice as long, you produce half the amount of phones and half the amount of waste."

The Restart Project, a UK non-profit, estimates that increasing the lifespan of a smartphone by 33% could prevent carbon emissions equivalent to Ireland's annual emissions.

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Sustainability lies at the heart of Fairphone's mission. "We use 100% recycled plastic in all our phones and fairtrade gold and silver," says van Abel.

But not all the materials found in Fairphone models are sustainable. The Fairphone 5 contains 40 different materials, but only 14 materials (which make up 42% of the total weight of the phone) are sourced sustainably and ethically. Just 70% of those 14 raw materials come from fairtrade or recycled sources. The mining of rare earth elements used by Fairphone and other smartphone companies has a significant environmental impact and can result in the contamination of air, water and soil.

In an independent review of the company, experts said Fairphone could improve its sustainability credentials by procuring more materials from fair, certified sources and making phones that are upgradeable as well as repairable. Van Abel says Fairphone has expanded the number of materials it sources from sustainable and ethical sources from eight to 14, with plans to increase further.

"We focus on the 14 materials where we see the biggest need for improvement and the largest opportunities to benefit people and planet," he says.

Bas van Abel, the co-founder of Fairphone is on a mission to make the smartphone industry more sustainable (Credit: Griesham Taan)

One of Fairphone's ambitions is to improve ethical working conditions across the entire supply chain. The social enterprise began as an activism campaign in 2009, raising awareness around conflict minerals mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Today, Fairphone sources certified conflict-free tin and tantalum from mines in DRC and works with manufacturers to ensure fair working conditions in the mines and factories, says van Abel, adding that all workers are paid a living wage.

Despite its ambitions, Fairphone is still only a minor player in the mobile phone market – since launching, it has sold around 550,000 devices. To put this into context, more than 232 million iPhones were sold worldwide in 2022. But van Abel says Fairphone is trying to prove that it is possible for companies to turn a profit selling sustainable smartphones.

Sustainability, however, comes with a high price tag. The latest Fairphone model costs £649 (€699). This is partly because Fairphone has to build everything in-house, according to van Abel. "We do all the software updates ourselves as there's not one company in the world that supports long-lasting phones," he says. "There's a lot of investment needed for us to be able to do what we want to."

Fairphone's repair scheme, however, is cheaper than its main competitors. A new battery for the Fairphone 5 costs £39.95 ($49), compared to the £80 ($99) fee Apple charges to replace an iPhone 15 battery and Samsung's £109 ($135) fee for its Galaxy S23 phone. Replacing a Fairphone screen costs £89.95 ($112), compared to Apple's £289 ($359) fee and Samsung's £239 ($297) fee to get a new Galaxy S23 screen.

It's a very simple calculation: if you use the phone twice as long, you produce half the amount of waste – Bas van Abel

Fairphone also runs a recycling programme for smartphones which can no longer be repaired. Typically, however, just 30-50% of materials can be recovered in the recycling process, according to Fairphone. The company views recycling as a last resort.

"You want to reuse all the components," says van Abel. "The last thing you want to do is recycle them…That's why we focus so much on longevity."

Like many modern electronic devices, smartphones are difficult to recycle as they contain up to 70 different elements. Slim, compact devices which are glued together are also difficult to pull apart in the recycling process.

Fairphone has created a smartphone which can easily be customised and repaired by users (Credit: Griesham Taan)

"We've got an instinctive understanding that technology and electronics are not [made] to break down…that they are precious," says Cat Drew, chief design officer at the Design Council in the UK, where she leads the sustainability initiative Design for Planet. "That's why so many of us hold onto three or four old phones which might well belong in museums. We can't bear to throw them away because we know that they are valuable."

According to one industry estimate, as many as five billion mobile phones might be sitting unused in drawers around the world.

The design of most smartphones prevents people from repairing them and using them for as long as possible, says Drew. Phones aren't designed in a modular, easy-to-disassemble way, she says, adding that people have a preference for very thin, sleek phones, which are difficult to take apart.

The cost of repairing electronics can also be "prohibitive". "Getting a laptop screen fixed can be more expensive than getting a new laptop in the first place," she says.

Building repairable smartphones is not a "technological challenge", adds Joe Iles from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a non-profit which seeks to facilitate the transition to a circular economy where products and materials are reused and recycled as much as possible. The innovation to build repairable phones already exists and mainstream brands are starting to adopt it, he says. To date the sales model for devices such as smartphones has aimed to encourage consumers to update their devices every couple of years, often long before the lifespan they are designed for. New right to repair laws being introduced in Europe and the US are changing this.

In 2022, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away

In February, Nokia released its first smartphone which consumers can repair themselves, by swapping out broken parts using online repair guides. Apple has started publishing repairability manuals online and has opened a self-service repair store where consumers can buy Apple parts and buy or rent tools to help them fix broken devices.

But Apple's repair scheme has been criticised for having extensive restrictions. Consumers must supply a unique serial number which is paired to an individual part of a device. The part cannot be replaced unless it is remotely paired to the device again using software provided by the manufacturer.

The real challenge is changing the business model of the electronics industry, says Iles.

"The way in which we make things, market and ship them…these supply chains have had decades of optimisation," he says. "Breaking that [business model] or doing something that contradicts it is sometimes hard to imagine and hard for companies to actually invest in."

Marketing is another hurdle. "The entire business model is based on growth and selling more phones," says van Abel. "Marketing has been really good at selling us stuff we don't really need."

In 2022, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away, adding to the global mountain of electronic waste (Credit: Getty Images)

"A lot of people still get really excited about the release of a new phone," Iles says, "but it is hugely wasteful to get a new one every year, just because the camera has a few more megapixels and the screen is slightly different size."

There needs to be a business model in place that encourages people to repair their phones, Iles continues, adding that this could be achieved if companies offered consumers longer warranties on the electronics they buy or provided spare parts, such as batteries and screens.

Shifting to a subscription model for electronics could also incentivise technology companies to prioritise sustainability, says Drew. "It's not about selling more and more, but about designing products that last and can be repaired."

It is something already happening with clothing, she says, referring to the large number of rental platforms that are helping the fashion industry transition to a more circular economy. "Imagine if we did that for washing machines and for all sorts of different household items," says Drew. (Read more about how to update your wardrobe sustainably.)

But doing this will require new laws and regulations to help "level the playing field" and ensure that companies continue to make a profit as they shift to a more sustainable model, says Drew.

Several European countries are already working to combat throwaway culture by making it easier for consumers to choose repairable products and get broken items fixed. In 2021, France started labelling certain electronic devices, including televisions, smartphones, washing machines, laptops and lawn mowers, with a repairability score based on five criteria assessing the price and availability of spare parts and how easily the product can be disassembled. In Sweden, people receive tax breaks for repairs on clothes and appliances including washing machines, dishwashers and bicycles.

In the US, there is also a push to encourage consumers to fix their devices.

President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order which aims to give US consumers the right to repair their own electronics. California, New York, Minnesota and Colorado all introduced right to repair legislation in 2023. The laws require manufacturers to provide consumers with the right tools and parts for seven years after production so that they can repair their own appliances.

"There is a lot of legislation coming out now that forces manufacturers to change their behaviour," says van Abel, who hopes that Fairphone may inspire further changes in smartphone industry by showing what can be achieved. "Our primary goal is to make the entire smartphone industry more sustainable," he continues. "We are raising awareness around problems in the supply chain and coming up with solutions."

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The Best Android Smartphones Of 2023 Offer More Tech For Less Money

Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Asus

If you're shopping for a new smartphone, it can be hard to choose. In addition to traditional Android phones, a growing number of really impressive models feature folding displays. As you'd expect, all of the latest Android phones in this roundup offer 5G LTE connectivity, and most offer an impressive battery life, plus a slew of other truly useful features. 

Whatever your budget or need, our in-house smartphone experts have compiled this guide to help you choose the ideal Android-based phone for yourself or a family member who either needs a new phone or an upgrade. After doing all the research and hands-on testing, we've discovered the best Android smartphones available now from Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus and Asus.

Best Android smartphone overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ($1,090) Samsung

Display Size: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLEDProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2RAM: 8GBStorage: 256GBBattery: 5,000mAhDimensions: 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inchesWeight: 6.6 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or wirelessStylus: NoFront Camera: 12MPRear Cameras: 200MP with 30x digital zoom

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out as our pick for the top Android smartphone of 2023.

This smartphone takes great photos, too. With help from its main, rear-facing, 200MP camera, capturing incredibly sharp images, even in challenging lighting, is easier than ever. Plus, the phone is able to shoot visually stunning video using integrated image stabilization that continuously ensures your content is incredibly smooth.

The S Pen stylus is another great addition to the package. You can handwrite, annotate or draw directly on the screen when using a compatible app. Plus, the Adaptive Display adjusts to different lighting conditions for optimal viewing wherever you happen to be. And with its long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, this is an extremely versatile and customizable smartphone. 

As you'd expect, the S23 Ultra comes with an impressive collection of preinstalled apps, but you have access to millions more from the Google Play Store. It's truly a powerful communications, productivity, safety, entertainment, health and fitness tool that fits in your hands. While it's not cheap, this is one of the most feature-packed, customizable and powerful smartphones available right now, so our in-house smartphone experts think it's worth every penny. 

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:

Its main, rear-facing camera boasts a remarkable 200MP resolution.

Video stabilization on the device ensures recordings are steady, sharp and ultra smooth.

The S Pen allows you to handwrite or draw directly on the screen or annotate documents, based on the app you're using.

One of its standout features is the Adaptive Display, which adjusts automatically to provide an optimal viewing experience.

This smartphone is Best compact Android smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 ($800) Samsung

Outside Display Size: 3.4-inch Super AMOLEDInside Display Size: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex displayProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2RAM: 8GBStorage: 256GB or 512GBBattery: 3,700mAhDimensions: 3.25 x 2.83 x 0.59 inches (closed), 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches (open)Weight: 6.6 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or wirelessStylus: NoFront Camera: 10MPRear Cameras: 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide) with 10x digital zoom

The most popular flip-style smartphone on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, received an eye-catching upgrade for its 5th generation. It now includes the new Flex Window. It's a 3.4-inch AMOLED screen located on the outside of the phone that can easily be used for one handed operation when the phone is shut.

This outside window is one of the most convenient features this versatile smartphone offers. It gives you a way to check messages, interact with apps, see alerts or incoming messages, plus interact with others without having to open the phone. 

The other main upgrade here is its processor -- the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 are both

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5:

It has an interior 6.7" AMOLED FHD+ screen with a120Hz refresh rate and an interior 3.4" AMOLED Flex Window with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Choose between 256GB or 512GB for internal storage.

It boasts a high-capacity 3,700mAh battery.

Its main camera array includes a 12MP wide camera and 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 10x digital zoom.

It's IPX8 rated, so it's waterproof and durable.

Best folding Android smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 ($1,300) Samsung

Outside Display Size: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex DisplayInside Display Size: 2x 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex DisplayProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2RAM: 12GBStorage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TBBattery: 4,400mAhDimensions: 6.24 x 5.06 x 0.26 inches (open), 6.24 x 2.66 x 0.52 inches (closed)Weight: 8.9 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or wirelessStylus: S Pen includedFront Camera: 10MP (cover screen), 4MP (under display, main screen)Rear Cameras: 50MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide), 10MP Tele 2x optical zoom (30x space zoom)

Samsung's higher-end folding phone also received an update in 2023, although its design changes are more subtle. This phone is now powered using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, so you get better-than-ever performance. 

It boasts a stunning 7.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. There is a small fold line visible down the middle, but it's barely noticeable and provides a gorgeous way to view TV shows or movies. The screen also provides a generous workspace for a single app. Or the two screens can be used separately to run two apps simultaneously for true multitasking. 

The Fold 5 is also a powerful smartphone for photography and videography. It has three rear-facing cameras with a 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto lens that offers 3x optical and up to 30x digital zoom. And with its 4,400mAh battery, it will help you power through your day. We also like that this phone has an IPX8 waterproof rating.

If you're looking for another good reason to upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 -- beyond its stunning foldable screen, impressive internal speaker system and powerful processor -- consider the included S Pen stylus. It can be used for handwriting, sketching, annotating files or simply navigating around on the phone. It feels silky smooth to use, with no noticeable lag.

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5:

It has an internal 7.6-inch AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex display screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Choose between 256GB, 512GB or 1TB for internal storage (all with 12GB of RAM)

Its 4,400mAh battery is great for all-day use. 

Its rear-facing camera array includes a main 50MP wide-angle lens.

The phone has IPX8 waterproof protection.

Best Google smartphone: Google Pixel 8 Pro ($799) Amazon

Display Size: 6.7-inchesProcessor: Google Tensor G3, Titan M2 Security CoprocessorRAM: 12GBStorage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GBBattery: 5050mAhDimensions: 6.4 x 3.01 x 0.35 inchesWeight: 7.51 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or WirelessStylus: NoFront Camera: 10.5MPRear Cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto

Google has done an excellent job taking its Android system and creating a smartphone that makes full use of its features in ways other phones can't match. This is particularly true when it comes to taking, editing and sharing photos, shooting video, and personalizing the smartphone. 

Google has also taken a bunch of proactive steps to protect user privacy and enhance online security. The Google One VPN is integrated into the OS for added online security when using Wi-Fi hotspots, plus, you get features like malware blocking and phishing protection. 

Battery life of the Pixel 8 Pro is up to 24 hours, or 72 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode. Of course, wireless charging capabilities are offered. While new versions of the Pixel smartphones debut yearly, Google has committed to supporting the Pixel 8 Pro with OS and security updates for seven years. So, if you're looking for a feature-packed, user-friendly and nicely designed Android-based smartphone, we recommend the Google Pixel 8 Pro. We think it's one of the best smartphone options out there. It's also very affordable, compared to competing phones with similar capabilities.

Key features of the Google Pixel 8 Pro:

Pixel 8 Pro makes full use of Android OS in ways other smartphones do not.

You get a handful of security and privacy tools integrated into the smartphone.

Battery life is excellent (up to 24 hours).

The camera setup and related photography and video apps are top-notch.

Best older Google smartphone: Google Pixel 7 Pro ($649) Amazon

Display Size: 6.7-inch AMOLEDProcessor: Google Tensor G2RAM: 12GBStorage: 128GBBattery: 5,000mAhDimensions: 6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 inchesWeight: 7.48 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or wirelessStylus: NoFront Camera: 10.8MPRear Cameras: 50MP (main) with 30x digital zoom, 5x optical zoom

The Google Pixel 7 Pro,

The Pixel 7 Pro relies on a three-camera rear setup, with a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 48-megapixel telephoto lens. The ultra-wide lens is 20% wider than the prior model and offers stronger autofocus. The cameras also offer clearer photos using up to a 30x digital zoom.

The phone boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display. It also utilizes a 5,000mAh battery to provide all-day use. We also love the phone's customizability options and how it makes full use of the Android operating system. If you don't need the cutting-edge technology built into the newer Pixel 8 Pro, this one-year-older version of the phone offers a really good value for the money.  

Key features of the Google Pixel 7 Pro:

It's

You get photography features, like Photo Unblur and enhanced Night Sight. 

It has a crisp, 6.7-inch OLED display.

The robust 5000mAh battery means longer use time than previous models.

Its rear 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide rear cameras are complemented by a 48MP telephoto lens camera. 

Best Android smartphone under $250: 2022 Moto G Stylus ($250) Amazon

Display Size: 6.8-inch IPS LCDProcessor: MediaTek Helio G88RAM: 6GBStorage: 128GB, expandable with microSDXCBattery: 5,000mAhDimensions: 6.70 x 2.99 x 0.37 inchesWeight: 7.62 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or wirelessStylus: YesFront Camera: 16MPRear Cameras: 50MP 

The Moto G Stylus (2022) not only offers a wide range of features, but it comes at a price that's friendlier to the wallet (compared to many other smartphones currently on the market). It's about six times cheaper than the latest and greatest from Samsung, which makes it an exceptional value. 

This smartphone comes with all the bells and whistles you're likely accustomed to as an Android user, complete with a Mediatek Helio G85 processor and 8MP front-facing selfie camera. There's also a rear-facing main cameras with a 50MP lens. Overall, this phone is slim, rugged and feels great in the hand. And for this price, the included and highly-functional stylus is a useful bonus when it's used with compatible apps. 

Writing with the stylus feels smooth and comfortable, with no input lag when handwriting, sketching or annotating. Plus, the phone's battery life ensures it can serve as a reliable companion all day. 

No matter how you plan to use the Moto G Stylus, this is your best bet if you need a new Android smartphone, but you don't want a budget-breaking premium price tag. 

Key features of the Moto G Stylus (2022): 

It's

Its 6.8" Max Vision FHD+ (1080x2460 pixel) IPS display is sufficiently bright and crisp. 

The 8MP front-facing selfie camera and 50MP rear main camera allow for great photos and videos.

The 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day use. 

It's attractively priced for budget-conscious buyers wanting an Android smartphone.

Best alternative to Galaxy Z Fold 5: OnePlus Open ($1,500) Amazon

Display Size: 6.31" (outside display), 7.83" inside displaysProcessor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2RAM: 16GBStorage: 512GBBattery: 4805mAhDimensions: 6.04 x 5.63 x 0.23 inches (open), 6.04 x 2.89 x 0.46 inches (closed)Weight: 8.43 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or wirelessStylus: YesFront Camera: 20MPRear Cameras: 49MP (main), 64MP (telephoto), 48MP (ultra-wide)

For people who rely heavily on their smartphone for tasks beyond talking and text, the OnePlus Open offers the processing power of a tablet, multiple large touchscreen displays and a camera system co-designed by high-end photography company Hasselblad.

You get access to two stunning Pro XDR touchscreen displays that support Dolby Vision. You can either use these screens together to run a single app with plenty of on-screen real estate, or utilize each screen separately to multitask and runs two apps at once. For sound, the phone has a spatial audio speaker system that supports Dolby Atmos.

Even with all of the tech packed into the Open, the folks at OnePlus have managed to keep the body of the phone relatively compact and lightweight. The outside Super Fluid AMOLED touchscreen display is 6.31-inches. It offers 2K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. Inside the phone are two Flexi-fluid AMOLED HDR displays that unfold to offer a 7.83-inch screen with a maximum brightness of 2,800 nits.

While the OnePlus Open is fully compatible with Android-based apps, it actually runs the OxygenOS 13.2 or later operating system (which is very similar to Android). This is a beautifully designed smartphone for people who need to get work done and be productive on the go, without relying on a tablet or laptop computer.

Key features of the OnePlus Open:

It features a folding design with two inside AMOLED displays (2,440 x 2,269 pixel resolution) and one outer 6.31-inch AMOLED display.

You get a powerful camera system co-designed by Hasselblad.

The phone supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.

The Open supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to provide excellent sound and video

OxygenOS 13.2 is based on Android 13.

Best smaller-size Android smartphone: Asus Zenfone 10 ($650) Amazon

Display Size: 5.9-inchesStorage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GBBattery: 4300mAhDimensions: 5.77 x 2.68 x 0.37 inchesWeight: 6.07 ouncesCharging Options: Wired or wirelessStylus: NoFront Camera: 32MPRear Cameras: 50MP (main), 13MP (ultra-wide)

Many recent Android smartphones offer super-fancy bells and whistles great for tech-savvy people. But for those who want a more down-to-earth smartphone that still offers impressive technology, check out the Asus Zenfone 10.

This phone is on the smaller side. It offers a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 1,100 nits. 

The base configuration of the phone is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage -- more than enough power for the average user. You also get 5G LTE cellular connectivity, plus a 32MP front-facing camera. The two rear-facing cameras offer 50MP and 13M resolution. 

The Zenfone 10 runs Android 13 and is considerably less expensive than high-end Android-based phones. And you can choose between five colors.

While this is a perfect smartphone everyday use, Asus also offers two high-end versions, the ROG Phone 7 and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, designed specifically for mobile gamers. These two phones are incredibly powerful, a bit on the expensive side and very hard to find in stock. They do, however, offer an unparalleled mobile gaming experience.

Key features of the Asus Zenfone 10:

The Zenfone 10 offers a more compact design and is lightweight.

This phone runs Android 13 (or later) using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.

You can choose between 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage.

The 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display offers an impressive and zippy 144Hz refresh rate.

Your buying guide for the best Android phones in 2023

Still not sure how to pick the best phone for you? Check out our phone buying guide to get answers to your most common smartphone shopping questions.

Which Android phone is best to buy in 2023?

There are several great Android models to choose from in 2023. If you want the latest model with the most advanced tech, consider the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. If you prefer Google's Android phone offerings, consider the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which is currently the best Google Pixel phone in terms of specs and features. There are also several really impressive folding smartphones that run Android you can choose from. The phone design you choose is a matter of personal preference -- based on how you'll be using the phone and the display configuration that will best meet your needs.

Should you buy an iPhone or Android phone?

Choosing between an Apple iPhone that runs the iOS operating system and an Android phone is also a matter of personal preference. Some people say that Android phones are better than iPhones, while many others feel that iPhones are superior. Most people like to stick to the operating system they're already familiar with and that's compatible with their computer(s), tablet and smartwatch (if applicable). 

If you're thinking about switching from one operating system to the other, test out the interface for yourself and see if you like it. Note that you may need to repurchase some of your favorite apps to get them to work on a different phone operating system, while other apps may not be available at all. If you need help converting all of your iPhone's data, documents, files, photos and phone settings to a new Android phone, visit the official Android website for detailed how-to information.

Which Android phone has the best camera? 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the Android smartphone with the best camera in 2023. It features a 200-megapixel main (rear-facing) camera, which is tops when it comes to resolution. That said, most top-tier Android phones have excellent cameras and built-in software smarts to enhance the shots you take, so you'll get great photos with most of these top options above. We particularly like the photo taking and video shooting capabilities of the Google Pixel 8 Pro phone too.

How long will an Android phone last?

Android smartphones generally last about two to three years -- though, Samsung has designed its latest smartphones for better durability and longer lifespans. Samsung committed to supporting the S23 Ultra throughout four years of software updates during the Samsung Unpacked event. Google is offering up to seven years of support for the latest Google Pixel 8 Pro phone.

Related content from CBS Essentials Jason R. Rich

Jason R. Rich (www.JasonRich.Com) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years' writing experience. He's also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker's Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Best Smartphone 2023

Smartphones aren't exactly the most exciting gadgets to splash out on. Glass rectangles that most people will use to message their friends, watch TikTok, read web pages, and snap photos. They might be essential for day-to-day living, but cost a pretty penny if you want the latest and greatest. That's why we've picked out the best smartphones to buy by seriously weighing up value for money. Jump to a detailed look at the best smartphones, or check the list below:

TL;DR – These are the Best Smartphones:

The iPhone 15 or the latest Samsung Galaxy S series model may look flashy, but consider whether a mid-range or budget option would be a better fit. Of course, there's a lot else to consider: processor speed, camera quality, their construction, and for how long they'll be supported with future software updates. All the phones on this list have been chosen because their hardware is decent enough to last for years and they warrant their sticker price.

The Best Smart Phones The best smartphone, the Google Pixel 8 Best Smartphone

Google Pixel 8

Running on a G3 Tensor chip, you'll enjoy solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a bright, beautiful OLED display for an affordable price.

0

See on Amazon

Screen: 6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessor: Tensor G3Camera: 50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfieBattery: 4,575 mAhWeight: 187g

Pros:

Wonderfully responsive screen

Seven years of updates and OS support

Impressive camera

Cons:

RAM upgrade reserved for Pro model

A flagship smartphone packed with bells and whistles, the Google Pixel 8 is everything an Android fan could want. The 6.2-inch OLED screen is bright and clear, making video streams look vivid and gleaming even in direct sunlight. It's made all the better thanks to its maximum 120Hz refresh rate, meaning every humble scroll or swipe looks gloriously smooth.

The camera's 2x optical zoom is effective, and the ultrawide lens lets you take crisp close-up shots with a macro mode that was previously reserved only for the Pixel Pro models. It's a high-quality camera, certainly, although the big (slightly sinister) draw is its range of effortless AI adjustment features: Magic Editor lets you resize and remove objects from photos while algorithmically filling in the blank spaces they leave behind, while Best Take lets you change the expression of people's faces, swapping a frown to grin, for example.

Less snazzy, but just as important is Google's commitment to provide seven years of software support for the Pixel 8, including the latest Android operating systems. It's rare for manufacturers to offer that kind of longevity, and should keep the Pixel 8 running smoothly, saving you from having to shell out on a replacement in only a couple of years as so many phone manufacturers expect.

Yes, you could splash out an extra $300 for the flashier Pixel 8 Pro, but most people won't need to. Despite the Pro's slightly brighter screen, increased RAM, and smidgen more battery life, the chances those extra features will warrant the price bump for you are slim.

Best iPhone

iPhone 15

With a USB-C port, Dynamic Island feature, a 48-megapixel main camera, and running on an A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 is a solid phone choice for most.

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Screen: 6.1-inch OLED, 1179x2556, 460 ppi, 60Hz refresh rateProcessor: A16 BionicCamera: 48-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfieBattery: 3,349 mAhWeight: 171g

Pros

Plenty of software improvements

Solid and stylish build

Cons

Underwhelming battery life

No true optical zoom

Powerful, elegant, and certainly worth the extra cost over its predecessors (which isn't always a certainty when it comes to Apple products), the iPhone 15 is the natural smartphone to buy for iOS fans. Apple has integrated plenty of welcome new user features into the standard iPhone this year. The adaptive Dynamic Island turns the black notch at the top of the screen into a usefully customizable area for shortcuts and notifications, a faster chip makes for speedy performance, and USB-C has finally replaced the Lightning port.

The excellent camera sports a 48-megapixel sensor, although is set to shoot 24-megapixel images by default to save on file size without making a big compromise on detail. And while there's no telephoto lens, meaning you miss out on true optical zoom, a bit of megapixel trickery gives you 2x lossless zoom. As you'd expect from Apple, it's built brilliantly too. A combination of aluminum and glass with more rounded edges and a brighter 6.1-inch screen than past models, the iPhone 15 is stylish without feeling fragile.

As ever, the improved iPhone 15 Pro model offers greater performance, largely due to its A17 chip and a more robust camera that supports up to 10x optical zoom. But for an extra $200, you're not getting much you're likely to use day to day. Stick to the standard model of iPhone and save your cents.

Best mid-range smartphone

Screen: 6.4-inch OLED, 1080x2340, 403 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessor: Exynos 1380Camera: 50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 32-megapixel selfieBattery: 5,000 mAhWeight: 202g

Pros

Bright, vivid screen

Generous battery life

Streamlined Samsung UI

Cons

Plastic casing

Photos can look washed out

You don't need to splash out on the latest flagship phone to get flagship-level features. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G packs all the performance and durability you want, all for a little under half the price of a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Its 5,000mAh battery is bigger than some of Samsung's premium devices, and will see you through two days of casual use. The 6.4-inch AMOLED full HD display suffers from a reasonably wide bezel and mediocre brightness, but is fabulously responsive for scrolling through apps or gaming. It's topped off by Samsung's One UI, a wonderfully polished skin that feels more premium than Google's own.

Of course, there's no getting around the compromises that Samsung has had to make to reach this more affordable sticker price. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is made from plastic rather than premium aluminum, although feels solidly constructed. And its main camera may feature a 50-megapixel camera, but struggles to do justice to vividly contrasting colors. With Samsung promising to support the phone with four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates, the Galaxy A54 has a steady lifespan ahead of it. Mid-range, but not mid-quality.

Best budget smartphone

Screen: 6.5-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 405 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessor: Snapdragon 695Camera: 50-megapixel wide, 8-megapixel ultrawide, 16-megapixel selfieBattery: 5,000 mAhWeight: 169g

Pros

Superb value for money

Generous battery life

Cons

Slightly sluggish at times

No future OS upgrades

Motorola has a talent for making economical budget smartphones for anyone who wants a long-lasting device but isn't fussed about the latest features. The Moto G84 continues that trend. With a chunky 6.5-inch OLED display running at a 120Hz maximum refresh rate and full HD, it has a bright and vivid screen that far outpaces its budget competitors.

The Snapdragon 695 inside is starting to show its age, although the generous 12GB of RAM has apps running fluidly despite the odd long load time. It helps that Motorola's custom Android UI isn't a big change on Google's vanilla package, keeping things simple and streamlined for easy navigation. And while there certainly is bloatware – something you won't be able to escape at this price range – the apps are easily uninstalled. It even includes a 3.5mm audio jack for those people yet to make the jump to bluetooth earbuds.

The camera is largely mediocre, snapping Instagram-worthy photos in bright light but struggling in low light, and the very respectable 5,000mAh battery will likely last you a couple of days, depending on what sorts of apps you're running. Less appealing is that the Moto G84 won't receive any OS updates past Android 14 (which is already here), limiting its lifespan. Unless you expect to download every game on the Play Store, though, you could push about five years of use from the updates alone.

Best gaming smartphone

Asus ROG Phone 7

The Asus ROG Phone 7 is one of the best smartphones on the market, especially if you're after something for gaming.

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Screen: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1080x2448, 395 ppi, 165Hz refresh rateProcess